IN FLORIDA 183 
probably even greater difference than this in our region so that 
our hammocks are finely adapted to these plants. They may be 
fastened to trees in the same way as recommended for Orchids. 
Water should be kept out of the leaf bases of most of the Brom- 
eliads until they are established. 
Aechmea. About sixty species of plants from Tropical Amer- 
ica belonging to the Bromeliads or Pineapple family. <A. fulgens 
is a superb plant of which I have a fine example; its broad leaves 
end abruptly; they are purplish green above and purple below 
and in summer bear heads of coral red calyces with blue corollas. 
A. mariae-reginae has broad green leaves; the scape is clothed 
with pink bracts and the flowers are blue tipped but change to 
crimson. 
Aeschynanthus. Tropical plants, mostly epiphytes, often 
climbing and bearing brilliant small flowers. <A. grandiflorus is 
doing well for me. 
Anthurium. Some of these are more or less epiphytic and can 
be grown on the trunks of trees in damp hammocks or the walls 
of fern pools. 
Begonias. A number of these grow on moist, rocky walls in 
tropical forests. 
Billbergia. A large tropical genus, several species of which are 
luxuriating on my trees. B. nutans has drooping flowers, sepals 
reddish, petals yellowish green, both with blue margins, blooming 
at intervals through the year. I have other unnamed species. 
Caraguata lingulata, Heart of Fire. The leaves are pale, 
grayish green when the plant is at rest but when the flower stem 
springs up they turn a brilliant red until the season of blooming 
is over, then becoming green again. 
Cryptanthus zonatus. A prettily variegated plant, the leaves 
being reddish green barred with silvery bands and silvery below. 
C. acaulis has undulated leaves which are greenish red with 
two longitudinal paler stripes, the whole with metallic shadings, 
—a very beautiful plant. 
Epiphyllum truncatum is a well-known window and conserv- 
atory plant in the north, where it is called Crab’s Claw and 
Christmas Cactus. Here it thrives on trees in the hammock. 
